PADUCAH – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close the U.S. 45 Ohio River “Brookport” Bridge for about five hours Friday for the annual walk-through inspection of the bridge structure.

The bridge will close at 9 a.m. and is expected to reopen around 2 p.m. Friday.

To avoid the need for additional closures, KYTC personnel also plan minor maintenance work on the bridge and roadway approach, and the City of Brookport will perform manhole maintenance at the Illinois end of the bridge.

Drivers may use the I-24 Ohio River Bridge in Metropolis to avoid the closure Friday.

KYTC District 1 will attempt to provide a timely update should the bridge reopen to traffic earlier than expected.